Deck construction

ABSTRACT

A deck construction including a plurality of supports for anchoring deck construction elements to a building site. The supports include a body (which may be an integrally molded concrete pier) having upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes at least one slot for seating a horizontally oriented construction member. The slot includes a center socket portion having four extended corners for seating the bottom end of a vertically oriented construction member. The slot and center socket are defined by connecting wall portions which may be integral to the body or may be of plastic or metal and suitable secured to the body. In some cases, two mutually perpendicular slots are provided.

REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of: (i) U.S. Design patentapplication Ser. No. 07/745,995 filed Aug. 9, 1991, which is acontinuation of Design Pat. application Ser. No. 07/292,742 filed Jan.3, 1989; and (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/763,870 filed Sep.19, 1991, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/507,002filed Apr. 10, 1990, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.07/319,852 filed Mar. 3, 1989, which is a continuation of applicationSer. No. 07/101,832 filed Sep. 28, 1987, which is a continuation-in-partof application Ser. No. 07/926,291, filed Nov. 3, 1986, and now issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,642. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,624 ishereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to outdoor residential constructions, andis particularly concerned with support devices for use in deckconstruction.

[0003] Various types of devices have heretofore been used for supportingand/or connecting building elements, such as horizontal beams, joists,stringers, posts and pillars, to a base slab, footing, foundation orblock member. For example, such devices include anchor studs, metalbrackets, or other supports or devices which are permanently embedded inthe concrete in the manufacturing process of the blocks and which arerequired to make them functional. Such devices or additional componentsare used to provide vertical and lateral mechanical connection ofbuilding elements to a base or as components to other elements but donot have an individual identity or non-mechanical application whichfacilitates the inexpensive and convenient construction of a simpledeck, such as a deck that may be built by the average home owner onunprepared and unleveled ground typical to a residential backyard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to the present invention and forming a primaryobjective thereof, a deck construction is provided including a novelconstruction support device, which amounts to an improvement over priorstructures.

[0005] A more particular object of the invention is to provide aconstruction support device of the type described having a novelarrangement of recesses, walls, and sockets for receiving horizontalbeams and the like, and also capable of receiving vertical pillars orposts, all in a variety of selected support connections not heretoforeavailable.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide an embodiment ofthe invention comprising a plurality of integrated wall portionsdisposed in a zig zag pattern and forming one or more full width slotsfor receiving horizontal beams and the like and also forming arectangular central socket for receiving a vertical pillar or post.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a pier block of thetype described having a novel arrangement of recesses and central socketfor receiving horizontal two-inch thick (1½-inch nominal) surfacesupports, and also capable of receiving vertical wood posts withoutmechanical connections or additional components, all in a variety ofselected support configurations not heretofore available.

[0008] In carrying out these objectives, a construction support deviceis provided for anchoring a beam or other element to the ground or otherbuilding site. The device includes a body having upper and lowerportions. The lower portion rests on the building site, and the upperportion includes an open slot for holding a beam edgewise. The slot isformed by spaced-apart side walls. The side walls themselves includeconnected wall portions, which are integrally joined at right angles.

[0009] The slot includes a center socket portion that is adapted forsecurely holding the bottom end of a vertically oriented post. Thecenter socket portion is formed by the side walls extending at rightangles away from each other to form corner sections. The corner sectionsare spaced apart substantially further than the width of the open slotto provide substantial corner support to the post.

[0010] In some cases, the side walls which define the slot are part ofspaced-apart projections which extend from the upper portion of thebody. These projections can be integrally molded with the body to form asingle-cast, one-piece block or pier.

[0011] Alternatively, they may be formed of plastic or metal andsuitably attached to a base.

[0012] The invention may be practiced with a pair of recesses emanatingfrom the central socket portion to form a single slot which extendsunobstructed across the entire breadth of the body. Alternatively, asecond pair of recesses may be employed to form a total of two mutuallyperpendicular slots.

[0013] Support devices in accordance with the invention are particularlysuited to the construction of residential decks. Horizontal, coplanardeck support members may be carried by a plurality of the foregoingsupport devices arranged in rows and columns. The horizontal decksupport members are securely seated in the slots defined by the spacedapart side walls.

[0014] Where the deck is to be built on uneven ground, the horizontalmembers can be supported in a level attitude by a plurality of verticalsupport pillars. The bottom ends of the vertical support pillars aresecurely seated in one of the center socket portion, while theirrespective top ends bear the horizontal members in supportingengagement. The height of the vertical support pillars can vary to spanthe vertical distance between the uneven ground and the desired plane inwhich the horizontal support members reside.

[0015] In one embodiment, the construction support device of theinvention comprises a body member having a lower surface which serves asa support on a base such as a slab, footing, or pier block. The bodymember has one or more recess means arranged to receive horizontal beamsand the like. The body member also has a central socket for receiving avertical pillar or post. The recess means are disposed on each of foursides of the body member at 90 degrees apart and communicate with thecentral socket and the exterior, the pairs of recesses opposite fromeach other being aligned whereby construction beams or the like can belaid therein in edge and/or end relation. Also, in such embodiment, theconstruction device has fastener-receiving means therein for attaching abeam or beams and a pillar together, and also for attaching the assemblyto the base. In another embodiment, side edges of the body member at therecess openings have downturned projections shaped on a rear portionthereof to frictionally fit on top of pier blocks for anchoring the bodymember against lateral shifting.

[0016] In another embodiment, the construction support device of theinvention is a single cast, one-piece pier block which comprises a bodymember serving as a capable support on unprepared and unleveled buildingsites, having localized dips, slopes and random level areas therein. Thebody member has a single recess means molded into the top surfacecapable receiving horizontal deck surface support members and alsocapable of receiving the bottom end of a vertical wood post or pillar.The recess means can have particular dimensions for using conventional,existing lumber sizes and also such dimensions are such that therequired integral strength of the block is maintained due to themanufacturing process and application without the necessity of usingreinforcing bar steel or additional integral components. All of thesefeatures combine in a structural arrangement which automates andstandardizes the manufacture and facilitates marketing, at a lower unitand resale cost, a deck that can be preplanned and pre-cut. Such a deckis simplified and inexpensive, and capable of construction by theaverage do-it-yourself homeowner who desires a deck on the unpreparedand unleveled ground of a typical backyard.

[0017] The invention will be better understood and additional objectsand advantages will become apparent from the following description takenin connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a support device in accordancewith a first embodiment of the invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a construction supportdevice in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a construction supportdevice in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0022]FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are perspective views showing variousapplications of the device of FIG. 1 in association with structuralbuilding elements;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a construction support devicewhich includes lateral stabilizing elements in accordance with a anotherembodiment of the invention.

[0024]FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the construction supportdevice of FIG. 9;

[0025]FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views showing various applicationsof the device of FIG. 9 in association with-structural buildingelements;

[0026]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a construction support device inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0027]FIG. 14 is bottom perspective view of the construction supportdevice shown in FIG. 13;

[0028]FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the construction supportdevice shown in FIG. 13;

[0029]FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the construction support deviceshown in FIG. 13;

[0030] FIGS. 17 is a perspective view a construction support device inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0031]FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the construction supportdevice shown in FIG. 17;

[0032]FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the construction support deviceshown in FIG. 17;

[0033]FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective views showing various applicationsof the device of FIG. 17 in association with structural buildingelements;

[0034]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a deck construction in accordancewith the invention employing the construction support device shown inFIG. 17; and

[0035]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another deck construction inaccordance with the invention employing the construction support deviceshown in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] According to the present invention, a construction support deviceis provided which conveniently provides anchoring of a building elementto a building site. As illustrated herein, the invention may bepracticed in accordance with a first embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein theconstruction support device is securely attached to a concrete base orpier. The device of FIG. 1 can be inexpensively molded from plastic orstamped from metal and is simplified in its use and constructions.

[0037] Alternatively, the invention may be practiced in accordance withother embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 13 and 17. There, the deviceis inexpensively poured from concrete together with a pier block to forma single cast, one-piece body. In either type of embodiment, theinvention provides a new and advantageous support for securelyseating-construction members in either a horizontal or verticalorientation.

[0038] With reference first to FIGS. 5 through 8, the numeral 10represents a base or pier block of conventional structure which iscommonly used to support decks, carports, etc. This block is generallyconstructed of concrete and assumes different shapes. In most cases, theblock is tapered to a lesser dimension toward the top. The top andbottom surfaces 12 and 13, respectively, are flat.

[0039] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a construction support device 14 inaccordance with a first embodiment of the invention. Constructionsupport device 14 which may be molded, stamped, or otherwise formed froma tough plastic or metal. The body member of the device 14 includes aflat bottom wall 16 and four identically shaped or symmetrical uprightquarter sections 18. Each of the sections 18 comprises four zig zagpanels 18 a joined integrally at right angles. These symmetrical quartersections are shaped to form a recess or opening 20 on each side, withoppositely located recesses being laterally aligned. Also, with thisquarter section construction, a square central socket 22 is formed.Laterally aligned recesses 20 provide a pair of full width slots open atthe sides.

[0040] Each of the panel sections 18 a has one or more apertures 24therein provided to receive fasteners, to be seen hereinafter, forsecurement of building elements to the device 14. As seen in FIG. 2,cutouts 26 are provided in the bottom wall 16 for reducing the weight ofthe member as well as for conserving material. Also, apertures 28 areprovided in the wall 16 for secured attachment of the member 14 to abase, such as to a block 10, a concrete slab, or other support means.

[0041]FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 show various applications of the constructiondevice 14 with building elements such as support members and pillars.FIG. 5 for example shows a horizontal decking surface support member 30seated edgewise on the bottom wall 16 and extending fully through thedevice and out both side recesses 20. FIG. 6 shows a support member 30similarly supported as in FIG. 5 but also showing a right angle supportmember 32 extending through. a 90 degree side recess 20 and abuttedagainst the support member 30. FIG. 7 shows a vertical pillar 34supported on the device 14 and fitted in the central socket 22. FIG. 8shows a pillar 34 similarly fitted in the socket 22 as in FIG. 7 butalso showing side beams 32 extending in from all four of the siderecesses. These members may simply be fitted in the respective recesses20 or socket 22. Preferably, however, secured attachment to the member14 is accomplished by fasteners 36 extending through the apertures 24.Also, device 14 can first be secured to the base member 10 by fastenersextending through the apertures 28.

[0042]FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a construction device 14′having a bottom wall 16 and side walls 18 in an arrangement similar tothat shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This structure, however, is formed (such asby integral molding) with a plurality of depending foot members 38. Fourof such foot members are shown, as well as a central foot member, butany number of such foot members may be provided. In the FIG. 3embodiment, the foot members 38 are hollow whereby long fasteners can beinserted down from the top through the wall 16 and into a base forsecured attachment of the construction device 14′ to the base. FIG. 4shows a structure similar to FIG. 3 except that the outer foot members38′ are solid and not hollow. This embodiment may be employed incircumstances where it is not necessary to use vertical fasteners aroundan outer portion of the member.

[0043] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate an embodiment of the invention employingmeans for anchoring the body member against lateral shifting. In thisembodiment, the body member 14″ is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 withrespect to quarter panel sections 18 a and their formation of alignedrecesses 20 and central socket 22. To accomplish the lateral anchoringfeature, the outermost panel section 18 a of each quarter section has adepending projection or lip 40 defined by a bottom wall portion 42integral with side extensions 44 and a rear wall portion 46. Rear wallportion 46 preferably angles outwardly toward the bottom to coincidewith the angle of the side surfaces of pier block 10. Reel wall portion46 can extend at a desired angle, so as to have flush engagement withpier block sides of varying shape.

[0044]FIGS. 11 and 12 show application of the device 14″ of FIG. 9 to apier block. In such arrangement, the device 14″ and the buildingelements therein are anchored or locked against lateral shifting.Fasteners extending through the bottom wall of the device are notnecessary, although such fasteners can be used if desired. The crossdimension of the device between rear wall portions 46 can be preselectedaccording to the size of the pier block so that a snug or frictional fitis provided.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 13-21, it will be seen that the device 14 maybe made of concrete and integrally molded into the upper surface 12′ ofa pier block such as pier block 50. As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the fourupright quarter sections 18′ include zig-zag walls 18 a′ which projectfrom flat bottom wall 16′. Recesses 20′ define two perpendicular slotportions extending across the full width of upper surface 12′. Zig-zagwalls 18 a′ also define the four corners of a square central socket 22′.

[0046] With reference to FIGS. 17-21, the concept of the invention canalso utilize a pier block 50′ having a central socket portion 22′ andonly two equal narrower recesses 20′ which extend inward from outeredges of two opposite sides of the top surface of the block 50′ and leadinto the central socket portion, as best shown in FIG. 18. The twonarrower recesses 20′ form but a single slot for receiving a horizontaldecking surface support member 30 which also passes through the centralsocket portion 22′, as shown in FIG. 20. The central socket portion 22′is for receiving vertical pillar supports 34, independent of the twoequal narrower recesses 20′, as shown by FIG. 21. The horizontal deckingsurface support members 30 and vertical pillar support members 34 beingmutually exclusive to each other in the recess of block 50′ and alsomutually interchangeable with each other in the same recess of the sameblock 50′.

[0047] The combination of slots and sockets allows a support inaccordance with the invention to accommodate both vertical andhorizontal beams, and is particularly well-suited for constructing deckson unprepared and unleveled building sites, two examples of those beingshown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Such decks, by using the present block, areextremely simplified in their construction and can be supplied inpre-planned, pre-cut units. Other advantages also exist in thestructure, as will be apparent hereinafter.

[0048] The deck shown in FIG. 22, designed by the numeral 52, comprisesthe pier blocks 50′ as the base or ground support for the deck and canhave such lumber as two-inch thick (1½ inch thick nominal) horizontaldecking surface support member 30 received by the two equal narrowerportions 20′, also passing through the central socket portion 22′ whenthe vertical pillar support 34 is not in the block 50′, those members 30then supporting the deck surface structure 54 which is nailed in placeand those blocks 50′ directly receiving member 30 being on localizedhigh or level ground within an unprepared and unleveled building site.

[0049] The deck shown in FIG. 23, designated by the numeral 56,similarly uses some pier blocks 50′ as described above and alsoillustrates the use of some blocks 50′ as the base or ground support forvertical pillar supports 34 set in the central socket 22′ when themember 30 is not in block 50, member 34 then providing support to member30 when member 30 is not directly received by block 50 due to localizedvariations of the ground within an unprepared and unleveled buildingsite. A deck support member 30 35 can also be fastened to a building 60,as shown in FIG. 23.

[0050] The particular structure of the manufactured pier blocks 50 and50′ makes it possible to construct an extremely simplified deck and onewhich can be pre-planned and pre-cut if desired. That is, such lumber as2-inch thick deck support members 30 and vertical wood pillars 34 whichcan be used therewith comprise conventional existing material, namely,the two-inch thick deck support members 30 can comprise 2×6's or 2×4'sand pillars 34 can comprise 4×4's.

[0051] The two equal narrower recesses 20′ can be 2 inches deep and havea width of 1¾ inches. This latter dimension would receive conventionalfinished 2×6's (1½ inches thick) and 2×4's (also 1½ inches thick). 2×6'sand 2×4's have finished height dimensions of 5½ and 3½ inches,respectively, whereby the deck support members, whether 2×6's or 2×4's,project to a minimum necessary height above the top surface of theblocks 50 when seated in the recess for supporting the decking thereon.

[0052] The central socket portion 22′ can be 2 inches deep, similar tothe recess portion 20′. Such socket is square, and can have dimensionsof 3¾ inches for receiving a conventional finished 4×4 (3½ inchessquare) lumber support pillar. The vertical pillar becomes sufficientlyfixed in socket portion 22′ in the block for deck construction purposes,as does the deck horizontal support member in the two narrower portions20′, also being within the central socket portion 22′ when the member 34is not in the block 50, for lateral stability.

[0053] Pier blocks 50 and 50′ are designed to provide support to a deckon unleveled or unprepared building sites with no additional componentsrequired. For this purpose, the blocks 50 and 50′ are tapered to alarger dimension toward the bottom. The top and bottom surfaces are flatand square. The enlarged bottom surface allows the block to serve as itsown footing. When two of such recesses 20′ are provided, they arestandardly aligned across the block. Furthermore, the width of theserecesses is less than one-third the width of the block at the top, thusmaintaining lateral integral strength of the block. This arrangementmaintains a strong concrete block without the necessity of re-barreinforcement and thus contributes to manufacture of a pier block anddeck structure in a pre-planned -and pre-cut unit which is alsosufficiently simplified in its use, standardized in its manufacture, andsufficiently inexpensive for deck construction by the averagedo-it-yourself homeowner.

[0054] Since the recess can be two inches deep, the recesses of the pierblocks 50 and 50′ of FIGS. 13 and 17 automatically and non-mechanicallycenter the horizontal decking surface support member 30 and verticalpillars 34 in the pier block (FIGS. 20 and 21) and automates connectionand securement of these support members to the pier block for deckconstructions 52 and 54 shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Mounted engagement ofthe horizontal surface support members and vertical pillars with theblock is accomplished without metal-brackets or embedded connectors thusallowing individual blocks of a deck construction on unleveled andunprepared building sites to be adjusted without the need of anydisassembly of the deck (i.e. removing bolts, nails or screws). Also,the recess of the pier blocks 50 and 50′ maintains horizontal andvertical members in parallel which is critical in construction of thedeck.

[0055] It is to be understood that the forms of our invention hereinshown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the sameand that other changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts maybe resorted to without departing from the spirit of our invention or thescope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A support device for anchoring a construction to a building site, comprising: a body having an upper construction support portion and a lower portion adapted for supporting engagement with the building site, the upper portion including a first open slot formed by side walls spaced apart for holding a horizontally oriented beam of corresponding width within the first open slot; an enlarged open center socket contiguous with the first open slot and formed by the side walls extending at right angles away from each other to corner sections spaced apart substantially further than the width of the first open slot for receiving a vertically oriented post held within the center socket, with the corner sections providing substantial corner support to the vertically oriented post.
 2. The support device of claim 1 wherein said upper and lower portions are integrally molded together in a single-cast, one-piece block.
 3. The support device of claim 1 further comprising means for mounting said upper support portion to said lower portion, wherein said upper support portion is mounted by said mounting means to said lower portion.
 4. The support device of claim 1 wherein said first open slot includes a substantially flat bottom surface, wherein said side walls extend upwardly from said bottom surface.
 5. The support device of claim 1 wherein said side walls each comprise a plurality of integrally connected wall portions joined at right angles.
 6. The support device of claim 5 wherein said connected wall portions define a zig zag pattern.
 7. The support device of claim 5 wherein said center socket portion includes a plurality of corners, each of said corners formed by the intersection of said connecting wall portions.
 8. The support device of claim 1 wherein said upper portion further comprises a second open slot formed by side walls spaced apart for holding a horizontally oriented beam of corresponding width within said second open slot, wherein said first and second open slots are mutually perpendicular.
 9. A support device for anchoring a deck construction element to a building site, comprising: a body having upper and lower portions, said lower portion adapted for supporting engagement with a building site; and a first slot in said upper portion, said first slot extending across the entire breadth of said upper portion and including a substantially continuous and flat support floor adapted for flush engagement with a horizontally oriented deck construction element; said first slot including a center socket portion having four corners adapted for receiving the bottom end of a vertically oriented deck construction element in substantial engagement with said corners.
 10. The support device of claim 9 wherein said upper and lower portions are integrally molded together in a single-cast, one-piece block.
 11. The support device of claim 9 wherein said first slot includes first and second walls extending upwardly from said flat support surface, each of said first and second walls comprising a plurality of integrally connected wall portions joined at right angles.
 12. The support device of claim 9 wherein said connected wall portions define a zig zag pattern.
 13. The support device of claim 12 wherein said upper and lower portions and said body are integrally molded together in a single-cast, one-piece block.
 14. The support device of claim 12 wherein each of said corners of said center socket portion is formed by the intersection of said connecting wall portions.
 15. The support device of claim 9 further comprising means for mounting said upper portion to said lower portion, wherein said upper portion is mounted by said mounting means to said lower portion.
 16. The support device of claim 9 wherein said upper portion further comprises a second elongated slot extending across the entire breadth of said upper portion in a direction perpendicular to said first elongated slot.
 17. A support device for use in a deck construction, comprising: a body member having a substantially flat upper surface and a lower supporting portion; a plurality of spaced-apart projections extending from said flat upper surface, each of said projections comprising a plurality of connected wall portions; said projections defining therebetween at least one unobstructed slot extending fully across said flat upper surface and suitable for receiving at least one deck construction element so that said deck construction element can extend across the length of said slot; said slot including a center socket portion having at least one corner defined by the intersection of two of said connected wall portions.
 18. The support device of claim 17 wherein said plurality of spaced-apart projections are two in number, and define a single unobstructed slot extending across the breadth of said flat upper surface.
 19. The support device of claim 18 wherein each of said plurality of spaced-apart projections is C-shaped.
 20. The support device of claim 17 wherein said plurality of spaced-apart projections are three in number, and define a first unobstructed slot extending across the breadth of said flat upper surface and a second unobstructed slot radiating from said center socket portion.
 21. The support device of claim 17 wherein said plurality of spaced-apart projections are four in number, and define two mutually perpendicular slots, each slot extending unobstructed across the breadth of said flat upper surface.
 22. The support device of claim 21 wherein each of said plurality of spaced-apart projections is L-shaped.
 23. The support device of claim 17 wherein said projections and said body member are integrally molded in a single-cast, one-piece block.
 24. The support device of claim 17 further comprising means for mounting said flat upper surface to said lower portion, wherein said upper surface is mounted by said mounting means to said lower portion.
 25. A support device for anchoring a construction to a building site, comprising: a body having an upper construction support portion and a lower portion adapted for supporting engagement with a base, an open center socket of generally square shape formed by a plurality of socket walls which intersect to create four right angle corners for receiving a vertically oriented post with the socket walls providing substantial surface contact with the post, and at least one elongated narrow recess extending outward from the socket walls to an end of the upper portion to create an elongated unobstructed slot defined by slot walls which engage and hold the sides of a horizontally oriented beam to provide substantial surface contact with the beam.
 26. The support device of claim 25 further comprising a base, for supporting engagement with a building site and mounting means for mounting said lower portion to said base, wherein said lower portion is mounted to said base by said mounting means.
 27. The support device of claim 25 further comprising a base for supporting engagement with a building site, wherein said upper construction support portion, lower portion and base are integrally molded together in a single-cast, one-piece block.
 28. A deck construction on a building site, comprising: (a) a plurality of spaced-apart horizontally oriented support members, each of said members having a lower edge and an upper edge; (b) horizontal decking surface structure fasted to said upper edges of said plurality of horizontally oriented support members; (c) a plurality of supports, each of said supports including: a body having an upper construction support portion and a lower portion adapted for supporting engagement with a building site, said upper portion including an open slot formed by side walls spaced apart for receiving the lower edge of one of said horizontally oriented support members; an enlarged open center socket contiguous with the open slot and formed by the side walls extending at right angles away from each other to corner sections spaced apart substantially further than the width of the open slot; and (d) wherein each of said plurality of horizontally oriented support members is supported by at least one of said supports.
 29. The deck construction of claim 28 further comprising at least one vertically oriented pillar member, wherein the bottom end of said pillar member is held within the center socket of one of said supports, and said top end of said pillar member supports the lower edge of one of said horizontally oriented support members.
 30. A kit for use in assembling a deck on a building site, comprising: (a) a decking surface structure; (b) a plurality of support members, each of said members having a lower edge and an upper edge, said support members suitable for supporting said decking surface when said support members are spaced-apart and in a horizontal orientation; and (c) a plurality of pier blocks, each of said pier blocks including: a body having an upper construction support portion and a lower portion adapted for supporting engagement with a building site, said upper portion including an open slot formed by side walls spaced apart for receiving the lower edge of one of said horizontally oriented support members; and an enlarged open center socket contiguous with the open slot and formed by the side walls extending at right angles away from each other to corner sections spaced apart substantially further than the width of the open slot.
 31. The kit of claim 30 further comprising at least one pillar member, wherein said center socket is adapted for receiving the bottom end of said pillar member when said pillar member is in a vertical orientation, said center socket providing substantial corner engagement with said pillar member; and wherein said top end of said pillar is adapted for supporting the lower edge of one of said horizontally oriented support members. 